From Frailty to Frailty

The trauma of October 7 still weighs heavily on us. As Israelis, we find ourselves torn—grieving the unimaginable loss of innocent lives, mourning our brave soldiers, and yearning for the safe return of our hostages. We cry out for new leadership, answers, and a path forward. Yet, as we stand in this pain, we are confronted with difficult questions: Can we forgive our enemies for their cruelty and hate? Can we forgive our leaders for failing to protect us?  Can we forgive our leaders for not stopping this invasion of the border with all its terrible consequences? Is there a way forward that honours both our sorrow and our strength?

Jewish tradition compels us to remember. We are commanded to recall Amalek’s attack and honour our past tragedies. Forgetting is not an option. But as my wife wisely said, while we cannot forget, we must find a way to move forward. Moving on does not erase the pain—it allows us to carry it with dignity, transforming it into purpose. This delicate balance is woven into the fabric of Jewish life. Even at our happiest moments, under the wedding canopy, we break a glass to remember the destruction of the Temple. We hold sorrow and joy together—this is the Jewish way.

The Book of Exodus (Shemot), which we begin to read, transitions from the story of a family to the formation of a nation. May we, too, find both personal and collective liberation. May we celebrate life with resilience, drawing strength from our shared history and hope for a future of peace, prosperity, and health for all.

What can we learn from the past to shape our future? What can we learn from the Book of Shemot, and how does its narrative of liberation, resilience, and divine justice speak to our current struggles? Exodus recounts the journey of the Israelites from slavery to freedom, offering timeless lessons on the human condition, societal governance, and moral responsibility.

The Divine Hand in Pharaoh’s Hatred

One of the most striking aspects of Exodus is the role of God in hardening Pharaoh’s heart, a divine orchestration that ensured the ultimate liberation of the Israelites. This divine intervention is not only a theological puzzle but also a reflection of the irrational hatred that has followed the Jewish people through history—a hatred manifesting in Pharaoh’s enslavement of the Israelites and echoed today in the animosity toward Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

From the irrational hatred of Hamas and the Houthis to the vitriol in the streets against Israel and Jews, the story of Pharaoh’s hardened heart serves as a lens to examine how hatred often transcends reason. This hatred—from ancient Egypt to modern anti-Semitism—must be confronted not with despair but with the resilience and faith embodied by the Israelites.

The Torah offers us profound lessons in navigating pain and redemption. Joseph forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery, recognising that their betrayal ultimately led to his rise and the survival of his family. But how do we, as a people, process atrocities like the Holocaust or the horrors of October 7? Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or excusing evil. It means choosing life, even in the shadow of suffering.

The “Deal”

This past week has brought deep sorrow—over 15 of our brave soldiers have fallen, and three innocent Israelis to terror. Each life lost is a universe extinguished, a soul taken from us far too soon. And while we stand in grief, our hearts break for the families of the hostages still held in captivity. Their pain is unimaginable, their suffering profound. We desperately want to bring them home—every single one. But at what cost? Does negotiating with those who seek our destruction honour the memory of the soldiers who sacrificed everything to protect us? Does this mean our war aims and future security are thrown down the drain?  These are heart-wrenching and complex questions with no easy answers.

Making deals with terrorists feels fundamentally wrong, reminiscent of Chamberlain’s disastrous 1938 appeasement of Hitler. Yet, we are human—our compassion drives us to rescue our people. Is there a different path? A better way to balance our moral responsibility to save lives with the need to secure our nation’s future.

The current hostage deal not only compromises our security but also rewards those with blood on their hands. Releasing terrorists in exchange for civilians devalues the moral distinction between victim and aggressor. It is deeply troubling that international organisations like the United Nations and the Red Cross have failed to exert meaningful pressure on Hamas to release the hostages or even demand access to them. Their silence and inaction amplify the injustice, and their indirect support through humanitarian aid—which Hamas has exploited—further complicates the situation. The fact that Israel has been forced to supply fuel and Humanitarian aid to Hamas during active conflict defies every principle of warfare, both ancient and modern. (President Biden, Blinken et al – history will show that you got it wrong – how sad!!) This glaring injustice not only jeopardizes our security but emboldens Hamas to claim victory, strengthening their resolve.

Moreover, this agreement is a travesty of justice, driven by political motivations rather than strategic security. Whether it stems from global leaders seeking political victories or temporary diplomatic gains, the consequences place Israel and the broader Middle East in even greater peril. The very act of agreeing or referring this to a “prisoner swap”  is NOT MORAL, and even worse, with a ratio of more than one hostage to one terrorist, is not only irrational but dangerous. It sends a clear and devastating message—that kidnapping Israelis is a profitable strategy. This policy doesn’t just endanger the present; it lays the groundwork for future kidnappings and empowers our enemies. We must confront this dangerous precedent with clarity and strength.

Is or was there an Alternative?

Asher Fredman, a thoughtful, young, and wise leader, highlights the challenge and provides a strategic roadmap.

Hamas’ primary goal has been to ensure its survival and control of Gaza.

Every time Hamas saw American pressure on Israel, it gave Hamas hope that it would survive and only led to further ‘hardening of its heart’, making a hostage deal more complicated.

A US-led maximum pressure campaign on Tehran, or even joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, could reduce the fear of Iranian arms smuggling into Gaza.

Here is his strategic roadmap:

1. Sever Hamas’ International Support: Cut off Hamas’ financial lifelines and dismantle its global networks by applying pressure on Iran and demanding that Qatar, Turkey, and Algeria cease support.
2. Control Humanitarian Aid Distribution: Ensure aid reaches civilians directly through IDF oversight or neutral private companies, eliminating Hamas’ exploitation of humanitarian resources.
3. Defund Complicit UN Agencies: Halt funding to organisations like UNRWA that indirectly bolster Hamas.
4. Dismantle Hamas Militarily: Intensify operations to neutralize Hamas operatives and destroy their infrastructure.
5. Establish a New Gazan Administration: Collaborate with local leaders to rebuild Gaza post-Hamas, ensuring security and rejecting terrorism.
6. Condition Reconstruction on De-Radicalization: Link Gaza’s rebuilding efforts to dismantling Hamas’ influence through education reform and curbing terror recruitment.

This vision calls for decisive action, not appeasement—a future where security and peace are intertwined. But what kind of leadership will guide us there?

The featured Video is of Asher being interviewed on i24 News , and this Video provides further insights   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQfY8895tjE

Meet Asher Fredman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asher-fredman/

Leadership

Parashat Shemot teaches us that true leadership arises not from power but from humility and moral responsibility. Moses, an unlikely leader, was chosen not for his eloquence or charisma but for his unwavering sense of justice. Despite his hesitations, he answered God’s call to liberate his people. Today, we need leaders who embody humility, courage, and an unyielding commitment to justice—leaders who rise from responsibility, not self-interest.

The women in Shemot—similar to the wives of our holy soldiers today—Shifrah, Puah, Yocheved, and Pharaoh’s daughter—demonstrate the quiet strength that shapes redemption. Their courage in raising their families in the face of war and tyranny reminds us of the power of moral clarity and compassion. Recognizing and empowering such strength within our society is vital.

Where do we go from here?

Despite the war, Israel remains among the happiest nations globally. In 2023, we ranked fourth; in 2024, fifth. This resilience reflects our profound sense of purpose. As Rabbi Shalom Brodt z”l taught, blessings often hide within hardships. The struggles of making a living, raising families, and confronting adversity reveal our deepest strengths.

October 7 shattered our illusions, forcing us to confront what truly matters. Divisions of left and right, religious and secular, faded as we united against an existential threat. This painful clarity must now guide us—to build a stronger, more just society rooted in shared values and unwavering resilience.

Our history teaches us that hardship refines and strengthens us. We must not allow this renewed sense of purpose to fade. Instead, we must channel it into lasting unity, fortitude, and collective strength. The responsibility rests on each of us to transform pain into power, division into solidarity, and fear into unwavering resolve.

We are fighting this war for a safer, more secure Israel—an Israel where evil is confronted and defeated. In the Middle East, only strength commands respect. Capitulating to this disastrous hostage deal is not a strategy but surrender. It emboldens those who seek to harm us and allows evil to regroup and rebuild. Yet, in our pursuit of strength, we must not lose our compassion for the hostages and their families. Their suffering must remain at the forefront of our decisions—but we must also ask: does this deal bring justice to the soldiers who gave their lives? These painful, challenging thoughts must guide us toward a future that honours every sacrifice.

Now is the time to support and elevate a new generation of leaders—voices like Asher Fredman, Eylon Levy, and others who have courageously stepped up in the media battles, our holy and brave soldiers on the frontlines in Gaza and Lebanon, the wives of soldiers and mothers in our homes. Let us recognise and empower the next generation of leaders, whose quiet strength sustains us. It is time for a complete societal overhaul—to rise with a new spirit rooted in wisdom, humility, courage, and justice. We must learn from our past, but more importantly, we must act now to build a future worthy of every sacrifice made. The time is now.

May we honour the sacrifices of our fallen and the pain of our people by forging a future defined by justice, resilience, and unyielding strength.

Am Yisrael Chai.